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Session Description

Free ticketed event
Project-Based Learning (PjBL) has been widely used in engineering classrooms at all levels with varying yet consistently positive results. Gains in learning, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills are some of the aspects typically documented in educational literature as
benefits of PjBL courses.
This approach highlights PjBL as experienced by students, but this workshop will explore PjBL from the perspective of faculty teaching such courses: Project-Based Teaching (PjBT).
The presenters would love to hear from those who teach PjBL engineering courses! Whether teaching in first-year or capstone design courses, your experience and questions will be valued here.
Those with no experience with PjBL who want to develop skills for facilitating it are also welcome.

Speakers

1. Dr. Benjamin Daniel Chambers

   Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

   Ben is a Collegiate Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech, who has taught project-based learning courses in first-year engineering since 2017, and serves as Director of the Frith First Year Makers program. He earned his graduate degrees from Virginia Tech, including an M.S. Civil Infrastructure Engineering, M.S. LFS Entomology, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning.

2. Dr. Jennifer Lyn Benning

   Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

   Jennifer is an Instructor in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech since 2019, was an Associate Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and worked for four years as a project manager for a company in the field of environmental engineering. She has nearly 10 years of experience in teaching project-based service learning, experiential learning, and project-based service learning. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering.

3. Dr. Juan David Ortega Álvarez

   Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

   Juan is a Collegiate Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech with experience teaching project-based learning courses in the first-year engineering courses since 2020. Juan holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Purdue University. In addition to teaching for over 10 years, Juan has seven years of experience as a practicing engineer in the design of chemical process facilities.

4. Matthew James P.E.

   Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

   Matt is an Associate Professor of Practice in ENGE at Virginia Tech, where he has worked since 2017. His primary responsibilities include teaching project-based courses in the first year general engineering program; he also has experience with project based learning through his advisory role to the Engineers in Action student design team and as instructor for the Engineering Design for Community Impact service learning course. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering, and worked for a number of years in professional practice in the land development sector before joining the faculty at Virginia Tech.

5. Mrs. Natalie C.T. Van Tyne P.E.

   Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

   Natalie is an Associate Professor of Practice in Engineering Education at Virginia Tech since 2015, previously taught at Colorado School of Mines from 2002 to 2015 , and worked in the specialty chemical and nuclear materials industries for 30 years. She teaches introductory engineering design courses for first-year and transfer students that incorporate project-based learning. She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical Engineering, masters degrees in business administration and Environmental Engineering , and a Ph.D. in Engineering Education.